Ideas
More Is Needed to Deter States That Take American Hostages
Foreign governments are illegally detaining more U.S. citizens than are terror groups.
Policy
Unfrozen: How the State Department Has Reversed Its ‘Draconian’ Cuts in Just Two Years
Biden promised to revive a "hollowed out" federal workforce, and at one agency, he has.
Ideas
The Risks of De-escalation
At the wrong time and place, it can do more harm than good—as its Mideast track record shows.
Policy
Biden Vows to Add Feds at Border, Boost Efforts to Reduce Crossings
The administration will also expand humanitarian programs, though staffing shortfalls could hurt implementation.
Policy
State Department Opens Emerging-Tech Office
The Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technology will facilitate strategic partnerships to develop and regulate innovative technology.
Threats
West Rejects Russian Claim that Ukraine Plans a False-Flag Dirty Bomb
US, U.K., France release statement decrying Moscow’s Sunday allegation.
Policy
New National Security Strategy Returns Focus to Rules, Partnerships, and American Leadership
China is a “pacing” threat, Russia just an “acute” one—but international partnerships, the old global order are key to beating both.
Ideas
Fully Fund America’s International Affairs Budget
Few investments reap larger rewards than the less-than-1% we spend on diplomacy and development.
Ideas
War Is No Reason to Put Arms-Control Negotiations on Hold
The possibility that Russia might use nuclear weapons in Ukraine is just one of the nuclear dangers we must address.
Ideas
Iran, US Seem Unlikely to Reach a New Nuclear Deal
Both sides have said they want to return to 2015's JCPOA, but a number of sticking points remain.
Policy
4 in 5 Afghans Who Worked for the US Have Faced Taliban Threats, Poll Finds
Lawmakers and advocates are working on legislation to make the special immigrant visa program permanent.
Threats
US Will Spend $89M To Eradicate Russian Landmines In Ukraine
One hundred demining teams will work over the next year to clear the areas Russia held
Defense Systems
Cyber Ambassador Pick Wants to Bring 'Coherence' to Tech Diplomacy Efforts
Nathaniel Fick, the former Marine and head of Center for a New American Security, also wants more deterrence efforts in cyberspace.
Ideas
How Biden Can Win His Middle East Trip
The president can advance U.S. interests and regain the region’s trust, if he evolves his messages and policies.
Policy
US Pushing Monitoring Body to Extend Russian War-Crimes Inquest
The OSCE already did one fact-finding mission in March; U.S. diplomats are whipping up support for another.
Policy
Lawmakers Seek To Flex Dormant Foreign-Policy Muscle On Capitol Hill
“Right now we have an unbroken streak of one,” a Senate aide told Defense One.
Policy
'Decimated' By Trump, State Dept. Is Falling Short of Some Key Biden Goals
The department is rebuilding, looking to fill vacancies and budget shortfalls.
Policy
Hiring for the Foreign Service Is Getting an Overhaul
The nearly 100-year-old test will play less of a role in picking candidates.
Ideas